California Law Bars Police from Hiding Truth About Fatal Encounters During Family Interrogations

California Law Bans Deceptive Policing Tactic Against Families of Police-Involved Fatalities A new California law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday, prohibits police investigators from concealing information about police killings while interrogating loved ones for potential evidence. The legislation requires investigators to inform families about the incident before questioning them and bars them from lying or pressuring families into consenting to interviews. The law, which takes effect in January 2027, also mandates that investigators allow families to bring a support person to interviews. All California police agencies and prosecutors' offices must incorporate these restrictions into their department policies by the given deadline. This development comes after years of criticism from civil rights groups and family members of those killed by police, who have accused law enforcement of using coercive tactics to extract information from grieving families. The new law aims to address these concerns and promote transparency in police investigations. California's law is modeled after a 2020 ruling in the Breonna Taylor case, which led to similar reforms in other states. Proponents argue that this legislation will help rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The California Police Chiefs Association has expressed support for the new law, stating that it aligns with their efforts to improve transparency and accountability within police departments. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on investigations and the ability of police agencies to gather evidence. As the implementation of this law approaches, families of those killed by police will be closely watching its effects. The new legislation marks a significant shift in California's approach to policing and may serve as a model for other states to follow. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Motherjones reporting.*